Books & Spoons Review THE BAD BOY'S BABY by Cindi Madsen

There are certain words that have always described Cam Brantley: Town bad boy. Soldier. Protector. But never, ever dad. Until he returns home from his latest military tour to discover the girl he had one smoking-hot night with is now mom to the adorable two-year-old Zoey. Who has his eyes.

Plenty of words could describe Emma Walker these days. Mom, dutiful granddaughter, budding designer, the town’s golden child. But when her longtime crush Cam Brantley comes back to town, she knows the perfect word to describe herself: screwed.

Cam and Emma are both shocked to discover he truly wants Zoey in his life. But Cam’s not sure he’s ready to be a dad, and Emma can’t gamble her daughter on maybes. As the long-simmering heat between Cam and Emma reaches a boiling point, he’ll have to work past his demons in order to be the man both girls need. 

Daddy duty might be his toughest mission yet…

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Adorable story about second chances, about finding your home, your place in the world, learning to see all the possibilities we have within ourselves, and not to judge ourselves, or another by our history. 
Because history in the small town of Hope Springs Cam and his family had. History, that he, and the other members of his family, would rather leave behind, but also history, that made Cam to swear, he would never enter into a serious relationship, and never father a child. 
Emma's parents gave up their dreams of a better and brighter future, to get married and raise her, and stay in the small town they grew up in. Until they couldn't any longer, and Emma's grandmother took care of her. Now some were afraid, history was repeating itself. 
What I loved about the story, was that even though it handles some big issues like abuse and anger issues, and huge emotions like being a parent and falling in love, as well as future plans, it had a very real, kind of raw feeling to it. Cam is still recovering mentally from his discharge from the military. He is trying to build the new business with his brother, and deal with his dad, and now daughter, and Emma... It all is just overwhelming, and so much, and still he handles it well, not perfectly, but well. And they get to know each other, take the time they need in this new situation, and try to fit as well as possible into each other's worlds. 
The feelings between Emma and Cam come later, but are powerful, intense, and real. The attraction is filled with passion, and it shows, yet the author doesn't need detailed sex scenes to show this. I loved the tone, the flow, and the rhythm of the story, all making it easy to take in and digest. 
Charming, attractive characters, in the midst of a small town living, where there's the perfect balance of meddling and gossip in between taking care of each other when the need arise. Cute as a button little princess, that captures everyone's hearts, and a family of a heart and blood, that finds a way to live with each other, and support each other, on the path they each choose. An entertaining story filled with friends, family, love and laughter, and one very important basket auction
~ Four Spoons

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